Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Semiconductor Sequencing for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy
Published on: August 25, 2019
The National Congenital Anomalies Register in the United Arab Emirates
H Al Hosani1, M Salah, H Abu-Zeid
1Central Department of Maternal and Child Health, Ministry of Health, Abu-Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. hagar@emirates.net.ae
Insights
The National Congenital Anomalies Register tracked birth defects in the UAE. Congenital anomalies (CAs) were most common in cardiovascular and chromosomal origins, linked to maternal age and premature birth.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- The United Arab Emirates established a population-based National Congenital Anomalies Register to monitor birth defects.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of congenital anomalies (CAs) is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the progress of the National Congenital Anomalies Register.
- To determine the prevalence of CAs in the UAE from 1999-2001.
- To identify maternal and neonatal risk factors associated with CAs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the population-based National Congenital Anomalies Register covering all UAE births (1999-2001).
- Calculated prevalence rates for live births, stillbirths, and total births.
- Classified CAs using the International Classification of Diseases and analyzed associated risk factors.
Main Results:
- Overall CA prevalence was 7.89/1000 (live births), 10.95/1000 (stillbirths), and 7.92/1000 (total births).
- Prevalence rates were comparable to international data, with variations noted in Dubai, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
- Most affected systems included cardiovascular, chromosomal, and musculoskeletal. Risk factors identified were advanced maternal age, grand multiparity, male sex, low birth weight, and prematurity.
Conclusions:
- The National Congenital Anomalies Register effectively monitors CAs in the UAE.
- Identified risk factors highlight specific populations for targeted prevention strategies.
- Findings provide valuable epidemiological data for public health planning and research in the region.
Abstract:
The National Congenital Anomalies Register is a population-based register covering all births in the United Arab Emirates. We evaluated the progress of the register and determined the prevalence of congenital anomalies (CAs) and associated maternal and neonatal risk factors. Total prevalence of CAs for 1999-2001 was 7.89/1000, 10.95/1000 and 7.92/1000 for live births, stillbirths and total births respectively. Rates were comparable to international rates for all districts except Dubai, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. According to the International classification of diseases, the cardiovascular system was the most affected followed by CAs of chromosomal origin and the musculo-skeletal system. Birth defects were more common with older maternal age, grand multiparity, male babies, low-birth-weight babies and premature babies.
